TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione

Track Listings
1. God grant we grace (the Tallis Canon)    
2. Spem in alium (Pro Cantione augmented)    
3. Hear the voice and prayer of thy servant    
4. If ye love me, keep My commandments    
5. O Lord, give Thy Holy Spirit    
6. Lamentations of Jeremiah (Part I)    
7. Lemantations of Jeremiah (part II)    
8. In Jejunio    
9. Mihir Autem    
10. O Sacrum Convivium    
11. Salvator Mundi    
12. O nata lux    
13. Te lucit ante Terminum    

TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione, Music, Thomas Tallis, Mark Brown, Pro Cantione Antiqua
The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Tallis Scholars do their namesake proud
 The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis

Manufacturer: Gimell UK
ProductGroup: Music
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  1. Tallis Scholars sing Palestrina
  2. Christmas With the Tallis Scholars
  3. The Essential Tallis Scholars
  4. The Tallis Scholars Sing Josquin
  5. Tallis: Spem in Alium

ASIN: B00026W65E
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

  1. Spem In Alium
  2. Sancte Deus
  3. Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos I
  4. Salvator Mundi, Salva Nos II
  5. Gaude Gloriosa
  6. Miserere Nostri
  7. Loquebantur Variis Linguis
  8. If Ye Love Me
  9. Hear The Voice And Prayer
  10. A New Commandment
  11. O Lord, Give Thy Holy Spirit
  12. Purge Me, O Lord
  13. Verily, Verily I Say Unto You
  14. Remember Not, O Lord God
  15. Tunes For Archbishop Parker's Psalter
  16. O Lord, In Thee Is All My Trust
  17. Christ Rising Again
  18. Blessed Are Those That Be Undefiled

Tracks:

  1. Lamentations Of Jeremiah I
  2. Lamentations Of Jeremiah II
  3. Absterge Domine
  4. O Sacrum Convivium
  5. In Manus Tuas
  6. Salve Intemerata
  7. Magnificat For 4 Voices
  8. Ave, Dei Patris Filia

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Tallis Scholars do their namesake proud.......2006-07-27

In the last couple of years, the Tallis Scholars have been compiling their sizeable recording output into attractive two-disc editions. Here, they've collected a large number of their interpretations of their namesake, Thomas Tallis. Tallis (c. 1505-1585) is, of course, one of the giants of Renaissance music, and he was certainly the greatest English composer of liturgical music between John Dunstable and William Byrd. I personally consider him the second-greatest Renaissance composer after Palestrina, but I'm not dogmatic about it. I love the music of Josquin, Victoria, and Byrd almost as much. Let's just say that, if you're interested in immersing yourself in the work of a single Renaissance composer, you can't do much better than Tallis.

These recordings were made 1985-1998, and they all sound great. Included in this collection are most of Tallis best and best-known works: the two Lamentations of Jeremiah, O Sacrum Convivium, Gaude Gloriosa, Tunes for Archbishop Parker's Psalter (which contains the theme that inspired Ralph Vaughan Williams' famous Fantasia), and the incredible 40-part motet Spem In Alium (which is one of the supreme masterpieces of the 16th century). Unfortunately, there are some notable absences, such as the Tallis Scholars' own recording of O Nata Lux. The Mass for 4 Voices, certainly one of Tallis' major works, is also nowhere to be found. Of course, there's only so much music that will fit onto two CDs, but it's still a shame that they couldn't fit at least one of Tallis' masses. Nevertheless, the music that's here is beautiful and powerful.

The Tallis Scholars themselves need no introduction. They're one of the most famous groups specializing in Renaissance music. It needs to be said, however, that if you're looking for "authentic" recordings (that is, recordings that approximate what the music originally sounded like in the 16th century), you might want to look elsewhere. The Tallis Scholars use female singers instead of boys or (ahem!) castrati (though it's doubtful that Tallis would have used or written for castrati himself). And one could complain that these recordings use too many singers for some of the smaller pieces or that the sopranos overpower some of the larger ones (like Spem In Alium). I'm neither an enthusiast nor an opponent of the authentic-performance movement; since we're listening to recorded music anyway, these issues strike me as moot. The Tallis Scholars are experienced and accomplished singers, and they achieve their primary goal: to provide superlative-sounding recordings of important early choral compositions. If you're looking for a fine compilation of Tallis' music or an excellent introduction to Renaissance music, this is it.
Thomas Tallis: Sacred Choral Works
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • divine
  • Essential Tallis
  • Wonderful music
  • Majestic
  • A wonderful performance but...
 Thomas Tallis: Sacred Choral Works

Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Tallis: Mass for Four Voices; Motets /Oxford Camerata * Summerly
  2. The Tallis Scholars Sing Thomas Tallis
  3. Tallis: Spem in Alium

ASIN: B000000A4H
Release Date: 1992-07-29

Tracks:

  1. Sacred Choral Works: Spem in alium
  2. Sacred Choral Works: Te lucis ante terminum
  3. Sacred Choral Works: O nata lux
  4. Sacred Choral Works: I. Incipit lamentatio Jeremiae prophetae
  5. The Lamentations of Jeremiah: II. De lamentatione Jeremiae prophetae
  6. Sacred Choral Works: O sacrum convivium
  7. Sacred Choral Works: Jesu salvator saeculi
  8. Sacred Choral Works: Salvator mundi, salva nos
  9. Sacred Choral Works: Loquebantur variis linguis
  10. Sacred Choral Works: Gaude gloriosa Dei mater

Amazon.com

Hundreds of years before Phil Spector introduced American rock audiences to his "wall of sound," 16th-century English composer Thomas Tallis wrote his 40-part motet Spem in alium. This was the real thing--no electronic gimmicks, no overdubbing. Imagine the effect of eight five-part choirs in the highly resonant acoustic of a large church, piling up layer upon layer of sonic blocks of harmony; methodically, rhythmically building the sound toward a climactic conclusion more than nine minutes later. While no recording can do full justice to this piece, this one comes close. The rest of the program is filled with music and choral singing that is nothing short of inspired: there is a spare beauty in the short hymn "O nata lux"; a dazzling display of near-perfect ensemble singing in the hymn "Jesu salvator saeculi"; and sheer sensuality and exhilarating power in the six-part Marian antiphon "Gaude gloriosa." --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars divine.......2007-04-28

The rendition of "O Nata Lux" is exquisite. A short piece, flawless in its structure, performed perfectly.

5 out of 5 stars Essential Tallis.......2005-12-07

This is probably the best Tallis anthology on the market, and would be an ideal introduction to this great composer. It includes a number of his most important and beloved works; Gaude gloriosa (which is excellent!!), the Lamentations, Salvator mundi, O sacrum convivium, Loquabantur, etc., and of course, Spem in alium.

This cd contains my favorite versions of both Spem and Gaude gloriosa, and everything else is very good too. If you don't know Tallis, then this is the place to start, and if you already love Tallis, or the Sixteen, then you should get it too.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful music.......2005-08-06

--Thomas Tallis-
Thomas Tallis, born in 1505, was one of the outstanding liturgical composers of his day, being the acknowledged master of the composers of England from the time of Queen Mary's reign forward. He was a composer and Gentleman of the Chapel Royal during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth, and worked closely with many other composers, most particularly William Byrd. He was an organist in addition to composer. He died in 1585, having navigated his way through the tumultuous catholic/protestant difficulties of the church which provided his livelihood and creative outlet.

--Spem in alium--
This piece, Spem in alium numquam habui (I have no faith in any other [than God]), is Tallis' most famous piece. It is a 40-part motet, set up for eight five-part choirs. It is a masterpiece. Tallis blended the chordal with the polyphonic here, to great effect. The number of voices makes for interesting effects, particularly when done in cathedral settings. Several stories have appeared about why this work was composed, but in the end, it remains unknown.

--Other music--
Other pieces here include selections from 'The Lamentations of Jeremiah' (Holy Week readings), 'Jesu salvator saeculi', 'Gaude gloriosa Dei Mater', and several other shorter pieces. Many use the well-established pattern of alternating polyphony with plainchant from verse to verse. The 'Gaude gloriosa' uses a six-part choir and high, soaring treble voices - this is very typically English of the period.

--The Sixteen, Harry Christophers--
Alas, the liner notes do not tell much about the choir or choirmaster, Harry Christophers. It does include photographs. The Sixteen have been together since its formation in 1977 by Christophers, educated at Canterbury Cathedral Choir School and Magdalen College, Oxford. They are fast approaching 100 recordings as a group, of which this is a good example.

5 out of 5 stars Majestic.......2004-09-26

This Spem emphasizes balance between its eight choirs. The Tallis Scholars' performance, initially more spectacular thanks to its brighter acoustic and the more virtuosic pre-eminence of the trebles, for me finally loses more of harmonic complexity than it gains in intensity. The accent on the treble part overwhelms the majestic interweaving of harmonies, which this recording displays to awesome effect. To me, the Tallis Scholars' Spem is like a spectacular display of fireworks, while The Sixteen's is ocean waves crashing against cliffs. This reviewer is grateful for both.

4 out of 5 stars A wonderful performance but..........2004-02-09

This cd presents the best and most famous sacred works of Reformation England composer Thomas Tallis, including Spem in Alium, a gorgeous piece for 40 voices, and the poignant Lamentations of the prophet Jeremiah. They are sung by a huge mixed choir, which gives the pieces a tremendous power.The rendition is first-rate and deeply moving.
Unfortunately, the clarity of the recording leaves much to be desired. I have played this cd on several hi-fi players and the result has always been disappointing. The sound is muffled, muddy, it does not come out with full force and clarity.
I recommend the "Best of the Renaissance" by the Tallis Scholars if you want to listen to a crystal-clear Spem in Alium and to "Lamenta" performed by Philip Cave et al for the Lamentations of Jeremiah.
Tallis: Spem in Alium; Lamentations of Jeremiah; Church Music
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • About Spem in alium
 Tallis: Spem in Alium; Lamentations of Jeremiah; Church Music

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. Tallis: Spem in alium; Missa Salve intemerata
  2. Tallis: Spem in Alium
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  4. Eric Whitacre: The Complete A Cappella Works, 1991-2001

ASIN: B0000041MD
Release Date: 1997-08-26

Tracks:

  1. Spem in alium - T. Tallis
  2. In manus tuas - T. Tallis
  3. In ieiunio et fletu - T. Tallis
  4. Te lucis ante terminum I - T. Tallis
  5. Te lucis ante terminum II - T. Tallis
  6. Ecce tempus idoneum - T. Tallis
  7. Veni Redemptor gentium - T. Tallis
  8. O nata lux de lumine - T. Tallis
  9. Salvator mundi - T. Tallis
  10. Derelinquat impius - T. Tallis
  11. Vidente miraculum - T. Tallis
  12. Lesson - T. Tallis
  13. Sancte Deus - T. Tallis

Tracks:

  1. Lamentatio leremiae I - Thomas Tallis
  2. Lamentatio Ieremiae II - Thomas Tallis
  3. Te Deum - Thomas Tallis
  4. Iam lucis orto sidere - Thomas Tallis
  5. Carifica me, pater - Thomas Tallis
  6. Fantasy - Thomas Tallis
  7. Audivi vocem - Thomas Tallis
  8. Dum transisset sabbatum - Thomas Tallis
  9. Honor, virus et potestas - Thomas Tallis
  10. Loquebantur variis linguis - Thomas Tallis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars About Spem in alium.......2006-09-04

This is specifically about Spem in Alium which is featured on this album.

While I am a great fan of classical music, this time period of music has never been one I have sought out. Then I bought this album at a thrift store two years ago and heard Spem in Alium for the first time. This piece and this performance changed my mind about middle age/early rennaisance music. This album has been in heavy rotation ever since on my stereo.

While I found all of Tallis' music on this album to be compelling, Spem in Alium is an exceptionally beautiful, intricate piece that if full of mystery (in the religious sense). The recording itself is wonderfully balanced sonically with excellent dynamics and depth (hugely difficult with the eight five-part choirs used). Listening to this with your eyes closed it is not difficult to feel that you are alone in a great English cathedral surrounded by choirs.

Having not heard the other versions of Spem in alium, I cannot honestly compare it to other performances. However, as an avid classical music listener, I can find nothing to fault here either in the music itself or in the quality of the recording which are both superb.

If like me you have avoided composers before Bach, then this music will be a great discovery. If you already know this piece, I think you will find this an extremely compelling and well recorded performance.
Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah in 2; Spem
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The perfect Tallis record
  • Sublime
  • Sublime
 Tallis: Lamentations of Jeremiah in 2; Spem

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002ZN9
Release Date: 1993-11-16

Tracks:

  1. O salutaris hostia
  2. In ieiunio et fletu
  3. Salvator mundi (I)
  4. In manus tuas Domine
  5. Salvator mundi (II)
  6. The Lamentations of Jeremiah (I)
  7. O sacrum convivium
  8. O nata lux de lumine
  9. Te lucis ante terminum
  10. The Lamentations of Jeremiah (II)
  11. Spem in alium

Amazon.com

This recording has a huge advantage over most of its rivals for the attention of Tallis listeners: the wonderful acoustics of Winchester Cathedral. In this magnificent space, the soaring lines and resplendent harmonies of Tallis's greatest masterpieces find sympathetic resonance, resulting in a heightened dramatic presence that takes the music beyond earthly confines. Of course, beyond the exceptional quality of the writing, credit must go to the phenomenal men and boys of Winchester Cathedral Choir. Where, even in England, does one find trebles who sing with more assuredness, musicality, and beauty of tone? With a repertoire including "In ieiunio et fletu," "Salvator mundi," "In manus tuas," "The Lamentations of Jeremiah," "O nata lux," and the unbelievable 40-part motet "Spem in alium," this is the Tallis disc to own if you're buying only one. --David Vernier

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The perfect Tallis record.......2000-04-30

Ultimately, this disc has two things going for it.

Firstly, it is a treasure trove of Tallis' finest Latin choral music, with gems great and small. Short pieces, such as "O Nata Lux" and the even tinier "Te lucis ante terminum," are given an exquisite rendering alongside larger motets (the opening track, "O salutaris hostia," is particularly ravishing). The programme includes both parts of the "Lamentations" for men's voices, which makes for especially good listening, but the best is saved until last: "Spem in alium," one of the most mammoth choral compositions ever written, is breathtakingly surveyed by the Cathedral Choir, the Winchester College Quiristers and the Vocal Arts Chorus.

Secondly, as recordings go, there could not be a much better one than this for demonstrating the excellence achieved by the Winchester Cathedral Choir under David Hill over the past twelve years. Listening to them as they sing this music in the generous acoustics of the ancient cathedral, one cannot help but feel that this is the best way in which to offer this music, when all's said and done. Whilst such forces as The Sixteen and The Cardinall's Musick have done much outstanding work to spread this type of music abroad through their concert performances, it is important to remember that it was all written for worship, not for concerts, and it is only fitting that a cathedral choir should broadcast it in this way.

As an act of worship, this disc is sublime. As a rendering of Tallis' music, it is superior. Worth getting and listening to over and over again.

5 out of 5 stars Sublime.......1998-09-26

I purchased this CD with only a general awareness of Tallis. It is true that the voices and acoustics of this recording are exceptional, working delicately with the music -- never overbearing. When listening to this recording, I often wonder if the religious expression of an earlier age proposed answers that we have lost in the current day.

5 out of 5 stars Sublime.......1998-09-26

I purchased this CD with only a general awareness of Tallis. It is true that the voices and acoustics of this recording are exceptional, working delicately with the music -- never overbearing. When listening to this recording, I often wonder if the religious expression of an earlier age proposed answers that we have lost in the current day.
Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works (Box Set)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Go To Amazon.com/uk
  • Wonderful Set, but why pay this much?
 Thomas Tallis: The Complete Works (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Signum UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Byrd, WilliamByrd, William | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B0006OR0DA
Release Date: 2005-01-25

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Go To Amazon.com/uk.......2006-02-23

Thank you Paul Schleuse. Your review is right on, and most importantly, I paid $113. (including shipping) from amazon.com/uk to Boston. Less than halk the price here.

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful Set, but why pay this much?.......2005-07-30

This is a landmark set: the complete works of one of the most important composers of the 16th century, in performances of grace and clarity. However, you can get it for less than half of the US price by buying it at Amazon.co.uk. At GBP65.20, it works out to just over $100, or about $10 per disc--quite a bargain on a major addition to any serious early-music collection.
Tallis: Spem in alium / The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Tallis' most famous work
  • Wow!
 Tallis: Spem in alium / The Lamentations of Jeremiah
Stephen Cleobury , and King's College Choir
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000004CVP
Release Date: 1990-10-11

Tracks:

  1. Spem in alium
  2. Lamentations of Jeremiah I
  3. Lamentations of Jeremiah II
  4. Videte miaculum
  5. Dum transisset sabbatum
  6. Honor, virtus et potestas
  7. Loquebantur variis linguis

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Tallis' most famous work.......2005-10-14

--Thomas Tallis-
Thomas Tallis, born in 1505, was one of the outstanding liturgical composers of his day, being the acknowledged master of the composers of England from the time of Queen Mary's reign forward. He was a composer and Gentleman of the Chapel Royal during the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth, and worked closely with many other composers, most particularly William Byrd. He was an organist in addition to composer. He died in 1585, having navigated his way through the tumultuous catholic/protestant difficulties of the church which provided his livelihood and creative outlet.

--Spem in alium--
This piece, Spem in alium numquam habui (I have no faith in any other [than God]), is Tallis' most famous piece. It is a 40-part motet, set up for eight five-part choirs. It is a masterpiece. Tallis blended the chordal with the polyphonic here, to great effect. The number of voices makes for interesting effects, particularly when done in cathedral settings. Several stories have appeared about why this work was composed, but in the end, it remains unknown.

--Lamentations of Jeremiah--
This is actually two motets, most likely not composed for church use. Some have interpreted as a lamentation on the Tudor suppression of the Catholic faith, which might have made the Lamentations more a composition for private rather than public performance at the time. It has no particular setting for liturgy, even when the Lamentations might be called for (such as at Tenebrae services).

--Other music--
Other pieces included on this disc include Tallis' Videte miraculum, Dum transisset sabbatum, Honor virtus et potestas, and Loquebantur variis linguis. These responsories are among Tallis' works that might have been done during the reign of Mary, when Roman Catholics were once again in power and encouraged.

--Liner Notes--
The notes are very basic for this disc - there is a brief essay on Tallis, followed by the words of the pieces both in Latin and in English translation. There are pictures of the men and boys choir of King's College, Cambridge, as well as a photograph of Stephen Cleobury, but no biographical or historical description of the group. There is a woodcut reproduced of Thomas Tallis.

--King's College Choir--
This world-famous choir is based at the chapel of King's College, and consists of choral scholars, male students and chorister boys from the King's College School located not far away. The choir sings a regular rota of services in the chapel, and performs a concert and recording schedule in addition to this (and rehearsals!). They are perhaps best known for their annual broadcast of Lessons and Carols at holiday time.

This is a remarkable piece of music, well performed.

5 out of 5 stars Wow!.......1998-12-28

This is absolutely sensational. Spem in Alium will transport you to another level of fullness. The first time this recording was played for me i felt i was floating in the center of a sphere and there were voices coming at me from every direction. Do yourself a favour and at least listen to the samples.
TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • a voice teacher and early music fan
  • TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione
 TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione

Manufacturer: Regis Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
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ASIN: B0000AKMYO
Release Date: 2003-07-09

Tracks:

  1. God grant we grace (the Tallis Canon)
  2. Spem in alium (Pro Cantione augmented)
  3. Hear the voice and prayer of thy servant
  4. If ye love me, keep My commandments
  5. O Lord, give Thy Holy Spirit
  6. Lamentations of Jeremiah (Part I)
  7. Lemantations of Jeremiah (part II)
  8. In Jejunio
  9. Mihir Autem
  10. O Sacrum Convivium
  11. Salvator Mundi
  12. O nata lux
  13. Te lucit ante Terminum

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a voice teacher and early music fan.......2006-12-17

Thomas Tallis (1505-1585) lived a long life, but during that time, although experiencing religious upheavals, shifting allegiances and changing musical demands, he laid the foundations for English church music.He managed to produce a fusion of expressive and technical mastery rare even in a century of great composers.
While none of these pieces can be dated with absolute surety, a notable exception is the psalm tune:'God Grant we Grace' ( the first on the disc) written in 1567; it is a simple 4-part setting.
By great contrast is the majestic motet 'Spem in Alium' written for 8 Four-Part choirs and it is really the focal point of this recording. It is truly a showpiece, a summation of the composer's resources. The 40 voices enter successively in imitation, and Tallis expoits wonderful antiphonal effects between the 8 four-part choirs, alternating chordal and contrapuntal passages with tutti entries on unexpected chords.
The next 3 selections are anthems, simple and chordal in style and ABB form, the last section being repeated. All very lovely melodies.
Many composers have set the "Lamentations of Jeremiah" (lessons from the last 3 days of Holy Week); Tallis was attracted by the opportunities for expressive writing of this text. His rich, almost sombre harmonic language perfectly suits the words.
The next selection"In ieunio et fletu", like the Lamentations was written for 5-part men's voices, and has much the same compass and shifting tonality.
The next four pieces are also Elizabethan motets, some having connections with liturgy, but none composed for it, being intended primarily for domestic performance. All are for 5 voices.
This group "Pro Cantione Antiqua" with its all male personnel is absolutely the finest group I have heard performing music of this era!!!!
Although, the individuals vary from year to year, and incidentally they do on this disc also, the quality remains the same. So I think we have to give some of the credit to the conductor, Mark Brown.
Although I LOVED every selecton on this disc, I want to mention a few that I was attracted to, such as 'If You Love Me';absolute beauty. Of course having Michael Chance as the countertenor enhanced it considerably. The Lamentations feature Charles Brett as the countertenor, and I find his voice very pleasing. In truth, all of the singing was superb and the 'Spem in Alium' very soul-reaching. This is what it must sound like in the celestial heavens!!!!!


5 out of 5 stars TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione.......2006-08-23

TALLIS: Spem in Alium, Lamentations & More - Pro Cantione~ Mark Brown is a splendid and sublime recording. Listening to Tallis is truly a majestic and magnificent experiencing. Being a very devout person I feel that his music speaks into my heart, nay, my soul and I rejoice to hear such praise given towards God. The voices truly sound like a chorus of angels and Tallis amazing and breathtaking masterwork Spem in Allum can without a doubt nor a reservation be said to be one of the finest works ever written in the choral music tradition. This recording per se is very well produced and the sound is impeccable. The liner notes are very well written and the cover art is a splendorous and marvelous painting of Christ kneeling in prayer. I would without any reservations whatsoever highly recommend this album and I therefore give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium; Lamentations; Mass & Motets
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium; Lamentations; Mass & Motets

    Manufacturer: Linn Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    ClassicalClassical | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00069OVVO
    Release Date: 2004-10-16

    Album Description

    Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)

    Spem In Alium - Lamentations - Mass & Motets

    Magnificat
    Philip Cave, director

    Caroline Ashton, Janet Coxwell, Sally Dunkley, Rebecca Outram - soprano
    Michael Lees, Fergus McLusky - alto
    Steven Harrold, Daniel Norman, Tom Raskin, Julian Stocker - tenor
    Jonathan Arnold, Neil Bellingham, Robert Macdonald - bass

    Magnificat was formed in 1991 to explore the rich diversity of choral music from the last five centuries. Many of its young professional singers are former Oxford and Cambridge choral scholars or were trained at the country's leading music conservatoires. The choir takes its name from Mary's canticle in St. Luke's Gospel, the Magnificat: My soul doth magnify the Lord and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. This song of praise reflects the spirit of the music that has played a formative part in the musical education of many of the singers through Choral Evensongs in Chapels and Cathedrals and establishes the ensemble's particular interest in sacred choral music.

    Philip Cave is Magnificat's founder and conductor. He was a choral scholar and lay-clerk at Christ Church, Oxford, under Simon Preston and has worked as a singer with many of the country's leading choral ensembles and conductors including The Clerkes of Oxenford, The Hilliard Ensemble, The Sixteen and the choir of The English Concert. He is a member of The Tallis Scholars and a lay-clerk at New College, Oxford.

    Tallis: Latin Church Music
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Tallis: Latin Church Music

      Manufacturer: EMI Classics Imports
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by TallisAll Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00008Y179
      Release Date: 2003-11-04

      Tracks:

      1. Videte Miraculum
      2. Homo Quidam
      3. Audivi Vocem
      4. Candidi Facti Sunt
      5. Dum Transisset Sabbatum
      6. Honor, Virtus, Et Potestas
      7. Hodie Nobis
      8. Loquebantur Variis Linguis
      9. In Pace, In Idipsum
      10. Spem In Alium

      Tracks:

      1. Gaude Gloriosa Dei Mater
      2. Te Lucis Ante Terminum (Procul Recedant Somnia) I
      3. Miserere Nostri
      4. Salvator Mundi
      5. Lamentations Of Jeremiah I
      6. Salvator Mundi
      7. O Sacrum Convivium
      8. Suscipe, Quaeso Domine
      9. O Nata Lux
      10. In Jejunio Et Fletu
      11. Lamentations Of Jeremiah II
      Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium; Lamentations; Mass; Motets
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Indescribable
      		 Thomas Tallis: Spem in alium; Lamentations; Mass; Motets

      Manufacturer: Linn Records
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by TallisAll Works by Tallis | Tallis, Thomas | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
      Vocal & SongVocal & Song | Early Music | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music | Requiems
      Sacred & ReligiousSacred & Religious | Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MassesMasses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      MotetsMotets | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      Renaissance (c.1450-1600)Renaissance (c.1450-1600) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
      ASIN: B00004TQMZ
      Release Date: 2000-11-28

      Tracks:

      1. Te Lucis Ante Terminum
      2. Salvator Mundi
      3. Spem In Alium
      4. In Iejunio Et Fletu
      5. O Salutaris Hostia
      6. Lamentations I
      7. Lamentations II
      8. Miserere
      9. Mass: Gloria
      10. Mass: Credo
      11. Mass: Sanctus
      12. Mass: Benedictus
      13. Mass: Agnus Dei

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Indescribable.......2000-12-03

      This is a CD for serious Tallis lovers.

      Magnificat have come of age in this recording, with musically sound and dicpilined renderings of some very difficult works. The Spem in Alium is possibly the best recording I have ever heard. It rivals the Tallis Scholars, and that's saying something. It definitely blows the Camdridge Singers' version out of the water. Imagiune that! Something that shows up John Rutter's choir at the height of its perfection!

      For anyone who doesn't know, "Spem In Alium" is a motet in forty parts. It is huge. Ten minutes of pure musical delight. A sea of sound on which false relations and glorious moving lines float by almost unnoticed. And yet it posesses moments of such intense intimacy - e.g. between the first half-force entry and the full frontal forty part assault, and again after that assualt is finished.

      This choir displays fantastic musicality. They do so much with the phrases, the shapes and textures, and so flawlessly it is amazing. My only musical criticism is of the basses in some passages, for instance the start of Salvator Mundi, where admittedly they do have to have a strong presence throughout the phrase, but there could be something more done to it to make it more interesting!

      But I digress. The whole CD is basied on one voice to one part - just as Tallis wrote. In the hands of such musical performers, and with a sympathetic conductor, the results are beyond belief. As I implied before, the Spem in Alium is the star of the show, but the Lamentations are amazing - there are a few moments where the voices fail the minds - particualy at the start of phrases (e.g. "Ghimel" where the solo tenor is exposed. However, it is apparent from the very beginning that these are singers who love Tallis and undertand his wriing in a way that no conductor can ever teach, nor engineer counterfeit. Philip Cave is to be congratulated, more for his construction of such a group than his conducting, which is obviously first class nonetheless.

      I challenge anyone to come up with a better recording of Tallis. I'm sure you will come up lacking.

      Summary - get yourself a good stereo, get this CD, get an hour's free time, and marvel.

      Music Review:

      1. Vivaldi: 6 Flute Concertos Op. 10
      2. Weekend in Paris
      3. American Music for Cello
      4. An American Collage: Music For Solo Voice And Chorus
      5. Australian Guitar Quartet [Import]
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      7. BEETHOVEN: "Spring & Kreutzer" Gruenberg / Wilde
      8. Beethoven: Triple Concerto; Kakadu Variations
      9. Berg, Webern: Chamber Music
      10. Berlioz & Tchaikovsky: Romeo & Juliet

      Music Review

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